A LANDOWNER is seeking legal action to remove a large traveller encampment from land in Witham.

Around 16 caravans moved onto the land, near to the Aldi store on Reid Road, at around 7.30pm on Tuesday evening.

The encampment has been set up on the new football pitches near the Maltings Park development, in Owers Road, owned by developer Taylor Wimpy.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a group of travellers are currently occupying land at our Maltings Park development that is owned by Taylor Wimpey.

"We are currently in the process of seeking legal action to ensure the travellers are moved on from this site.”

Residents reported disruption from dogs barking and generators throughout Tuesday night.

Several of the caravans are believed to have left the site on Wednesday morning.

Essex Police confirmed they are aware of the unauthorised camp and are liasing with the landowner. 

A landowner in Stisted was left with a £2,000 clean-up bill when a group of 17 caravans spent two days there last week.